Two words we don’t usually hear together are “trauma” and “joy,” but award-winning podcaster, comedian and actor Paul Scheer isn’t most people. He’s never shied away from mining his own background for a good story, and now it’s time to bring many of those stories together into one. This spring you will be able to read all about it in his first memoir, Joyful memories of trauma (HarperOne). It’s available for pre-order now, and will be out everywhere books are sold on May 21st.
Scheer is known for his roles in League, Black Monday, Fresh off the Boat, 30 Rock and Veep, i you can recognize his signature smile from his often charmingly creepy characters. He is also a co-creator and one of the stars of comedy series A human giant and NTSF:SD:SUV. And listeners may have heard some of his childhood stories in his comedy or during podcast discussions he hosts, How was this made?! and Unwound.
A young Paul Scheer shows off the cover of his new memoir.
Courtesy of Paul Scheer
And now the man famous for “going there” shares his journey in his new memoir-in-essays.
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“After years of telling these stories from childhood onwards How was this made?! and people’s reactions to them, I decided to see if I could skip that anecdote and tell a bigger story about how I grew up,” Scheer tells PEOPLE. “Over these last two years, I think I found a book that surprised me and I’m still scratching the surface. surface.”
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This edited vintage photo of Paul Scheer and his new memoir is for anyone who’s ever dreamed of taking their book to prom.
Courtesy of Paul Scheer
In his signature self-deprecating style, Scheer announces the book’s release date with several photos of the book cover interspersed with throwback photos from his childhood, including a classic prom pose, a photo of himself carrying his book to a cozy dinner, and a shot of him adorning a snow-covered car.
The book itself goes deep into his often shocking, admittedly messed up childhood (his words), and the ways in which what he went through in his youth affected him throughout his life. In the style of bestselling memoirs by celebrities like Casey Wilson, Colin Jost, Seth Rogen, Molly Shannon and Bob Odenkirk, the book doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff. But it also lets in some sun.
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In an edited throwback photo, Paul Scheer shows off his new memoir — and his car.
Courtesy of Paul Scheer
From dealing with his stepfather’s alcoholism, finding self-acceptance, to becoming a good father himself, the book shares some of Scheer’s hard-won lessons about staying true to yourself even in the darkest of times. The author promises an entertaining, insightful read.
Paul Scheer and June Diane Raphael welcome a son
“This book has been a long time coming,” says Scheer. “As you can see in the pictures, I’ve been wearing it my whole life.”
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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education